'Dogs drop series opener to Aztecs

Friday, April 29

Fresno, CA

6:05 P.M. PT

Fresno State

21-21, 10-9

San Diego State

13-30, 5-14

San Diego State

Fresno State

Photo by: Khon Saysamongdy

'Dogs drop series opener to Aztecs

4/29/2022 9:45:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Travis Blanshan / Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FRESNO, Calif. - The Diamond 'Dogs brought the go-ahead run to the plate in both the seventh and eighth innings, but were unable to come through falling in the series opener to San Diego State, 8-4 on Friday evening at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.

Fresno State (21-21, 10-9 MW) battled back from an early five-run deficit to get within a pair, but dropped its first game against the Aztecs this season.

The 'Dogs tallied 10 hits with three singles from Tommy Hopfe and got a pair of base knocks from Andrew Kachel who added two walks, stole a base and scored a run.

On the mound, Trevor Garcia suffered his first loss of 2022 going four innings allowing six hits, five runs and struck out a pair before giving way to Kyle Pruhsmeier, Robbie Peters and Zach Statzer to close out the game.

How It Happened
The Aztecs raced out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first with an RBI double, a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer from Clovis native TJ Fondtain.

The 'Dogs answered back with three runs to cut SDSU's lead to 5-3 getting a run in the first on a sacrifice fly by Vinny Bologna, an RBI single by Bobby Blandford in the fourth and an RBI single by pinch-hitter Mason Grotto in the eighth.

The Bulldogs attempted to grab the lead in the seventh loading the bases with two outs, but Hopfe went down swinging and again brought the go-ahead run to the plate in the eighth, but Kachel bounced into a double play to end the threat.

The Aztecs added a three-run home run from Brian Leonhardt in the ninth to extend their lead to 8-3 and the 'Dogs notched one more run in the bottom of the frame on an RBI single by Hopfe. Looking to keep the rally going, the 'Dogs lined out into a double play to end the contest.

Up next
The 'Dogs look to even the series on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. as part of the Bulldog Block Party.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit 559-278-7160.

Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateBSB
Instagram: fresnostbaseball
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics